JP2014204426A - Electronic apparatus, image forming device, controller, and program - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To reduce a delay in display due to a change in device state in an electronic apparatus in which device control and device state display are executed by separate control means.SOLUTION: State data write means 22 writes state data into a storage area 400 when a change in the state of a device 300 is detected. Update notification transmission means 24 transmits an update notification when a write to the storage area 400 is performed. State image data write means 23 generates state image data and writes it into the storage area 400 when a change in the state of the device 300 is detected before a display complete notification is received after the update notification was transmitted. Read means 11 reads the state data or the state image data from the storage area 400 when the update notification is received. Generation means 12 generates the state image data when the state data is read in. Display complete notification transmission means 14 transmits a display complete notification when display of the state image is completed.

Description

  The present invention relates to an electronic apparatus, an image forming apparatus, a control apparatus, and a program.

  The network receiver described in Patent Document 1 includes a buffer for accumulating received video data and a decoder for decoding video data read from the buffer, and the amount of accumulated data is allowed during reproduction at normal speed. When it becomes less than the lower limit threshold, the playback speed is slowed down for a predetermined period, and when the amount of stored data exceeds the allowable upper limit threshold, the playback speed is increased for a predetermined period.

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2007-312122

  An object of the present invention is to reduce a display delay with respect to a change in device status in an electronic apparatus in which device control and device status display are executed by separate control means.

  The invention according to claim 1 includes a first control means, a second control means controlled by the first control means, a device controlled by the second control means, and a storage area. A control unit configured to detect a change in the status of the device; and a status data document that writes status data indicating the status of the device in the storage area when the detection unit detects a change in the status of the device. Storage means, an update notification transmission means for transmitting an update notification to the first control means if writing to the storage area is performed, and storage of the storage area after transmission of the update notification by the update notification transmission means When the detection unit detects a change in the status of the device before receiving a display completion notification indicating that the display based on the content is completed from the first control unit, the status of the device A situation image data writing unit for generating situation image data for displaying a situation image to be represented and writing the situation image data in the storage area; and when the first control unit receives the update notification , Reading means for reading the situation data or the situation image data from the storage area, and, when the reading means reads the situation data, generates situation image data for displaying a situation image based on the situation data Generation means, a situation image based on the situation image data generated by the generation means, or a display means for displaying a situation image based on the situation image data read by the reading means; and the display of the situation image by the display means. When completed, the electronic device includes display completion notification transmission means for transmitting the display completion notification to the second control means.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the electronic device according to the first aspect, the status image data writing unit detects the detection after the update notification is transmitted by the update notification transmission unit and before the display completion notification is received. When the means detects a change in the status of the device and a process corresponding to a predetermined condition is not being executed by the second control means, the situation image data is generated, and the situation image data is Write to storage area.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the electronic device according to the second aspect, the status data writing unit includes the detection unit after the update notification is transmitted by the update notification transmission unit and before the display completion notification is received. Detects the change in the status of the device and writes the status data in the storage area when the process corresponding to the predetermined condition is being executed by the second control means.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the electronic device according to any one of the first to third aspects, the update notification transmission unit stores the storage after the update notification is transmitted and before the display completion notification is received. When the situation data or the situation image data is written in the area, the update notification is not transmitted to the first control means.

  According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the electronic device according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, the situation image data writing means sends the display completion notification after the situation image data has been written to the storage area. When the detection unit first detects a change in the status of the device after receiving the display completion notification, and the process corresponding to the predetermined condition is not being executed by the second control unit The situation image data is generated, and the situation image data is written in the storage area.

  The invention according to claim 6 is a first control means, a second control means controlled by the first control means, and a device for forming an image based on image data, which is controlled by the second control means. A storage area, wherein the second control means detects a change in the status of the device, and a status indicating the status of the device when the detection means detects a change in the status of the device Status data writing means for writing data into the storage area, an update notification transmitting means for sending an update notification to the first control means if writing to the storage area, and an update by the update notification transmitting means After the notification is transmitted, the detection unit changes the status of the device before receiving a display completion notification indicating that the display based on the storage contents of the storage area is completed from the first control unit. A situation image data writing means for generating a situation image data for displaying a situation image representing the situation of the device when the situation is detected, and situation image data writing means for writing the situation image data in the storage area, the first control A means for reading the situation data or the situation image data from the storage area when the update notification is received; and a situation image based on the situation data when the reading means reads the situation data Generating means for generating situation image data for displaying the image, and a display means for displaying a situation image based on the situation image data generated by the generation means or a situation image based on the situation image data read by the reading means; When the display of the status image by the display unit is completed, the display completion notification is transmitted to the second control unit. An image forming apparatus and a signal means.

  The invention according to claim 7 provides a reading unit that reads situation data or situation image data from a storage area when an update notification is received, and a situation based on the situation data when the reading unit reads the situation data. Generation means for generating situation image data for displaying an image, and display means for displaying a situation image based on the situation image data generated by the generation means, or a situation image based on the situation image data read by the reading means And an electronic device controlled by a control device including a display completion notification transmitting unit that transmits the display completion notification when the display of the status image by the display unit is completed, the device and the device Detecting means for detecting a change in the status of the device, and a situation representing the status of the device when the detecting means detects a change in the status of the device Status data writing means for writing data to the storage area, update notification transmitting means for transmitting the update notification to the control device if writing to the storage area is performed, and the update notification transmitting means After the transmission of the update notification, when the detection unit detects a change in the status of the device before receiving from the control device a display completion notification indicating that the display based on the storage contents of the storage area is completed, It is an electronic device comprising situation image data writing means for generating situation image data for displaying a situation image representing the situation of a device and writing the situation image data in the storage area.

  When the update notification is received, the invention according to claim 8 reads the situation data or situation image data from the storage area, and when the reading means reads the situation data, the situation based on the situation data Generation means for generating situation image data for displaying an image, and display means for displaying a situation image based on the situation image data generated by the generation means, or a situation image based on the situation image data read by the reading means And when the display of the status image by the display means is completed, the computer controlled by the control device having the display completion notification transmitting means for transmitting the display completion notification detects a change in the status of the device. And when the detection means detects a change in the status of the device, status data representing the status of the device is stored in the storage area. After the transmission of the update notification by the update notification transmission means, the update notification transmission means for transmitting the update notification to the control device, if the write to the storage area has been performed, A situation indicating the status of the device when the detection means detects a change in the status of the device before receiving a display completion notification indicating that the display based on the storage contents of the storage area is completed from the control device. This is a program for generating situation image data for displaying an image and for functioning as situation image data writing means for writing the situation image data in the storage area.

  The invention according to claim 9 stores a device, detection means for detecting a change in the status of the device, and status data representing the status of the device when the detection means detects a change in the status of the device. A status data writing means for writing to the area, an update notification transmitting means for sending an update notification if writing to the storage area is performed, and after the update notification is sent by the update notification transmitting means, A status image for displaying a status image indicating the status of the device when the detection means detects a change in the status of the device before receiving a display completion notification indicating that the display based on the stored content is completed A control device for controlling an electronic device comprising situation image data writing means for generating data and writing the situation image data in the storage area, the update notification Reading means for reading the situation data or the situation image data from the storage area when received, and a situation image for displaying a situation image based on the situation data when the reading means reads the situation data Generation means for generating data, a situation image based on the situation image data generated by the generation means, or a display means for displaying a situation image based on the situation image data read by the reading means; and the situation by the display means When the display of the image is completed, the control device includes a display completion notification transmission unit that transmits the display completion notification to the electronic device.

  The invention according to claim 10 stores a device, detection means for detecting a change in the status of the device, and status data representing the status of the device when the detection means detects a change in the status of the device. A status data writing means for writing to the area, an update notification transmitting means for sending an update notification if writing to the storage area is performed, and after the update notification is sent by the update notification transmitting means, A status image for displaying a status image indicating the status of the device when the detection means detects a change in the status of the device before receiving a display completion notification indicating that the display based on the stored content is completed A computer that controls an electronic device that includes situation image data writing means for generating data and writing the situation image data in the storage area; Reading means for reading the situation data or the situation image data from the storage area when received, and a situation image for displaying a situation image based on the situation data when the reading means reads the situation data Generation means for generating data, a situation image based on the situation image data generated by the generation means, or a display means for displaying a situation image based on the situation image data read by the reading means; and the situation by the display means When the display of an image is completed, a program for causing the electronic device to function as a display completion notification transmission unit that transmits the display completion notification.

According to the first to tenth aspects of the present invention, it is possible to reduce a display delay with respect to a change in the status of the device, as compared with a case where the second control unit does not have a configuration for generating the status image data.
According to the invention which concerns on Claim 2, compared with the case where this structure is not provided, the influence which it has on the control of the device by a 2nd control means can be decreased.
According to the invention of claim 3, even when the second control means cannot generate the situation image data, the storage contents of the storage area can be updated to the latest situation data.
According to the invention which concerns on Claim 4, compared with the case where this structure is not provided, the communication amount from a 2nd control means to a 1st control means can be suppressed.
According to the invention which concerns on Claim 5, compared with the case where this structure is not provided, the increase in the load of the 1st control means after completion of the display of a situation image can be suppressed.

2 is a diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of an image forming apparatus 1000. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a functional configuration of an image forming apparatus 1000. FIG. The flowchart which shows the procedure of the process which a 1st control means performs. The flowchart which shows the procedure of the process which a 2nd control means performs. The sequence diagram which shows the specific example 1. FIG. The sequence diagram which shows the specific example 2. FIG. The sequence diagram which shows the specific example 3. FIG. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a configuration in which a first control unit 100 is separated from an image forming apparatus 1000.

<Hardware configuration>
FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of the image forming apparatus 1000. The image forming apparatus 1000 is an example of an electronic apparatus according to the present invention. The main components of the image forming apparatus 1000 are a first control unit (controller) 100, a second control unit (device controller) 200, and a device 300. The first control unit 100 executes, for example, Linux (registered trademark) as an OS (Operating System) and controls the second control unit 200. The second control means 200 executes, for example, RTOS (Real Time OS) as the OS and controls the device 300.

  The first control means 100 includes a central processing unit (CPU) 101, a random access memory (RAM) 102, a read only memory (ROM) 103, a hard disk drive (HDD) 104, a local area network (LAN) terminal 105, a communication I / F (Interface) 106 and UI (User Interface) 107 are provided, and these components are connected to the bus 108.

  The CPU 101 executes a program using the RAM 102 as a work area. The ROM 103 stores a boot loader and the like. The HDD 104 stores an OS, application programs, and the like. A communication line is connected to the LAN terminal 105, and the CPU 101 communicates with an external information processing apparatus or the like via the LAN. The communication I / F 106 is connected to the communication I / F 204 provided in the second control unit 200 through a communication line. The UI 107 includes a keypad, a touch panel, and the like (not shown), receives a user operation, and outputs a signal corresponding to the received operation to the CPU 101. In addition, an image representing the status of the device 300 (hereinafter referred to as a status image) is displayed on the touch panel.

  The second control unit 200 includes a CPU 201, a RAM 202, a ROM 203, and a communication I / F 204, and these components are connected to a bus 205. The ROM 203 stores an OS, and the CPU 201 reads the OS from the ROM 203 and executes it in accordance with a command from the CPU 101.

The image forming apparatus 1000 includes one or more devices 300. Examples of the device 300 include an image scanner 301 and a printer 302.
The image scanner 301 includes a light source, an optical system, an image sensor, and the like (not shown). The light source irradiates light on the document, and reflected light reflected by the document enters the image sensor via the optical system. Generates and outputs a signal representing an image of the document.
The printer 302 is a printer that prints an image by, for example, an electrophotographic method, and includes a print engine, a storage unit that stores a recording medium such as paper, a transport mechanism that transports the recording medium along a transport path, and the like (not shown). Then, an image based on the image data supplied from the first control unit 100 via the second control unit 200 is printed on a recording medium.

  The storage area 400 is a RAM, for example, and is accessed from both the CPU 101 and the CPU 201. The storage area 400 may be provided on a different substrate from the first control unit 100 and the second control unit 200, or is provided on either the first control unit 100 or the second control unit 200. May be.

<Functional configuration>
FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a functional configuration of the image forming apparatus 1000.
The first control unit 100 includes a reading unit 11, a generation unit 12, a display unit 13, and a display completion notification transmission unit 14. The second control unit 200 includes a detection unit 21, a situation data writing unit 22, a situation image data writing unit 23 and an update notification transmission unit 24.

First, the second control means 200 will be described.
The detection unit 21 detects a change in the status of the device 300. Specifically, the CPU 201 periodically acquires status data representing the status of the device 300 from the device 300. For example, in the case of the printer 302, the status data includes data for specifying an image being printed by the printer 302, data indicating the position of the paper on the conveyance path of the printer, data indicating the remaining amount of paper in the storage unit, and the like. The CPU 201 periodically acquires status data from the printer 302 and stores it in the RAM 202, and detects a change in the status of the printer 302 by comparing the latest status data with the status data acquired last time.

  Next, the situation data writing unit 22 will be described. The status data writing unit 22 writes status data representing the status of the device 300 in the storage area 400 when the detection unit 21 detects a change in the status of the device 300. Specifically, when the CPU 201 detects a change in the status of the device 300, the CPU 201 reads the latest status data stored in the RAM 202 and writes it in the storage area 400. Here, for example, the CPU 201 sets a data type flag “0” indicating the type of data in a specific bit of the situation data so that the data is recognized as the situation data.

Next, the update notification transmission unit 24 will be described. The update notification transmission unit 24 transmits an update notification to the first control unit 100 when writing to the storage area 400 is performed. Specifically, the data written in the storage area 400 is either the above-described situation data or situation image data. The situation image data is image data for displaying an image representing the situation of the device 300 (details will be described later). When the situation data or situation image data is written in the storage area 400, the CPU 201 transmits an update notification to the first control unit 100.
However, the update notification transmission unit 24 sends the update notification to the first control unit 100 when the status data or the status image data is written in the storage area 400 after the update notification is transmitted and before the display completion notification is received. Do not send. The display completion notification will be described later.

  Next, the situation image data writing unit 23 will be described. The situation image data writing unit 23, after receiving the update notification by the update notification transmitting unit 24, before receiving a display completion notification indicating that the display based on the stored contents of the storage area 400 has been completed from the first control unit 100. In order to display a status image representing the status of the device 300 when the detection unit 21 detects a change in the status of the device 300 and the process corresponding to the predetermined condition is not being executed by the second control unit 200. The situation image data is generated, and the situation image data is written in the storage area 400. Specifically, it is as follows.

The CPU 201 generates situation image data when the following two requirements are satisfied.
(1) First requirement The first requirement is that a change in the status of the device 300 is detected after the update notification is transmitted and before the display completion notification is received. In the storage area 400, situation data or situation image data is written. The first control unit 100 displays the situation image representing the situation of the device 300 on the UI 107 based on the situation data or situation image data written in the storage area 400. If the situation image display is completed, the first control unit 100 displays the situation image. The completion notification is transmitted to the second control means 200. In other words, after the update notification is transmitted, the change in the status of the device 300 is detected before the display completion notification is received. This means that the status of the device 300 has changed during the process for displaying the status image. Means.

(2) Second requirement The second requirement is that processing corresponding to a predetermined condition is not being executed by the second control means 200. The predetermined condition is, for example, a condition that the process is a process related to the control of the device 300. The process related to the control of the device 300 is a process to be executed with priority over the generation of the situation image data. If the process related to the control of the device 300 is not being executed by the second control unit 200, the CPU 201 determines that the process corresponding to the predetermined condition is not being executed by the second control unit 200.

  When the first requirement and the second requirement are satisfied, the CPU 201 generates situation image data and writes the generated situation image data in the storage area 400. The situation image data includes, for example, a reduced image (so-called thumbnail) obtained by reducing the image being printed, an image representing the position of the paper on the schematic diagram representing the structure of the image forming apparatus 1000, and the remaining amount of paper as a numerical value or a graph. This is raster format image data representing an image to be represented. Here, the CPU 201 sets the data type flag “1” to the same bit as the data type flag of the situation data described above so that the data is recognized as the situation image data.

  The status data writing unit 22 detects a change in the status of the device 300 after the update notification is transmitted by the update notification transmission unit 24 and before the display completion notification is received. When the process corresponding to the condition is being executed by the second control unit 200, the status data is written in the storage area 400. That is, when the first requirement is satisfied but the second requirement is not satisfied, the CPU 201 writes the situation data in the storage area 400 without generating the situation image data.

  The situation image data writing unit 23 receives the display completion notification after writing the situation image data in the storage area 400, and the detection unit 21 first detects a change in the state of the device 300 after receiving the display completion notification. If the process corresponding to the predetermined condition is not being executed by the second control unit 200, the situation image data is generated and the situation image data is written in the storage area 400.

Next, the 1st control means 100 is demonstrated.
The reading unit 11 reads situation data or situation image data from the storage area 400 when an update notification is received. As described above, when situation data or situation image data is written in the storage area 400, an update notification is transmitted from the second control unit 200. The CPU 101 reads data from the storage area 400 when receiving this update notification.

  Next, the generation unit 12 will be described. The generation unit 12 generates situation image data for displaying a situation image based on the situation data when the reading unit 11 reads the situation data. Specifically, if the data type flag included in the data read from the storage area 400 is “0”, the CPU 101 determines that the data is status data, and the data type flag is “1”. If so, it is determined that the data is situation image data. When the CPU 101 determines that the data is status data, for example, based on the status data, for example, a reduced image (so-called thumbnail) reduced from the image being printed, a schematic diagram representing the structure of the image forming apparatus 1000 The situation image data, which is raster format image data representing an image representing the position of the paper and an image representing the remaining amount of paper as a numerical value or a graph, is generated.

  Next, the display means 13 will be described. The display unit 13 displays a situation image based on the situation image data generated by the 12 generation unit or a situation image based on the situation image data read by the reading unit 11. Specifically, if the data type flag is “0”, the CPU 101 displays a situation image based on the situation image data generated from the situation data on the touch panel of the UI 107. On the other hand, if the data type flag is “1”, the CPU 101 displays a situation image based on the situation image data read from the storage area 400 on the touch panel.

  Next, the display completion notification transmission unit 14 will be described. The display completion notification transmission unit 14 transmits a display completion notification to the second control unit 200 when the display of the status image by the display unit 13 is completed. Specifically, the CPU 101 displays on the second control unit 200 when the display of the situation image is completed regardless of whether the situation image data is generated from the situation data or the situation image data is read from the storage area 400. Send a completion notification.

<Operation>
Next, the operation of the image forming apparatus 1000 will be described. This operation is started when a print instruction is input to the image forming apparatus 1000.
<Operation of first control means>
FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing a procedure of processing executed by the first control unit 100.
In step S101, the CPU 101 as the reading unit 11 periodically determines whether or not an update notification has been received. If it is determined that an update notification has been received (step S101: YES), the process proceeds to step S102. .
In step S <b> 102, the CPU 101 as the reading unit 11 reads data from the storage area 400. This data is situation data or situation image data.

In step S103, the CPU 101 determines whether the data read from the storage area 400 is situation image data based on the data type flag, and if it is determined that the data is situation image data (step S103: YES), Proceeding to step S105, if it is determined that it is not situation image data (step S103: NO), the process proceeds to step S104.
In step S <b> 104, the CPU 101 as the generation unit 12 generates situation image data based on the situation data read from the storage area 400.
In step S <b> 105, the CPU 101 as the display unit 13 displays a situation image based on the situation image data on the touch panel of the UI 107.
In step S <b> 106, the CPU 101 as the display completion notification transmission unit 14 transmits a display completion notification to the second control unit 200.

<Operation of Second Control Unit>
FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a procedure of processing executed by the second control unit 200.
In step S201, the CPU 201 sets 0 to the counter COUNT.
In step S202, the CPU 201 as the detection unit 21 periodically acquires status data from the device 300, and determines whether or not the status of the device 300 has changed, based on the status data. If it is determined that the status of the device 300 has changed (step S202: YES), the process proceeds to step S203.

In step S203, the CPU 201 determines whether or not a display completion notification has been received after transmission of the update notification. If it is determined that a display completion notification has been received (step S203: YES), the process proceeds to step S204. If it is determined that the display completion notification has not been received (step S203: NO), the process proceeds to step S207.
In step S204, the CPU 201 sets 0 to the counter TMP.
In step S205, the CPU 201 determines whether or not the value of the counter COUNT is greater than 0. If it is 0 (step S205: NO), the process proceeds to step S206, and if it is greater than 0 (step S205: YES). ), The process proceeds to step S209.
In step S <b> 206, the CPU 201 as the situation data writing unit 22 writes the situation data in the storage area 400.

On the other hand, in step S207, the CPU 201 determines whether or not the device status change detected in step S202 is the first status change after inputting the print instruction, and determines that it is the first status change. (Step S207: YES), the process proceeds to Step S204, and if it is determined that the situation is not the first change (Step S207: NO), the process proceeds to Step S208.
In step S208, the CPU 201 sets a value obtained by adding 1 to the value of the counter COUNT in the counter TMP.

In step S209, the CPU 201 determines whether or not a process corresponding to a predetermined condition (for example, a process related to the control of the device 300) is being executed by the second control unit 200. If it is determined that there is (step S209: YES), the process proceeds to step S210. If it is determined that it is not being executed (step S209: NO), the process proceeds to step S211.
In step S <b> 210, the CPU 201 as the situation data writing unit 22 writes the situation data in the storage area 400.

On the other hand, in step S211, the CPU 201 as the situation image data writing unit 23 generates situation image data based on the situation data.
In step S <b> 212, the CPU 201 as the situation image data writing unit 23 writes the generated situation image data in the storage area 400.
In step S213, the CPU 201 determines whether or not the value of the counter TMP is 0. When it is determined that the value is 0 (step S213: YES), the CPU 201 proceeds to step S214 and determines that it is not 0. In (Step S213: NO), the process proceeds to Step S215.
In step S <b> 214, the CPU 201 as the update notification transmission unit 24 transmits an update notification to the first control unit 100.
In step S215, the CPU 201 sets the value of the counter TMP in the counter COUNT, and proceeds to step S202.

Next, a specific example of the operation of the image forming apparatus 1000 will be described.
<Specific example 1>
FIG. 5 is a sequence diagram illustrating the first specific example. Specific example 1 is a basic operation of the present embodiment.
In step S301, the second control unit 200 detects a change in the status of the device 300 (step S201: COUNT = 0 in FIG. 4, step S202: YES).
In step S302, the second control unit 200 writes the status data in the storage area 400 (step S203: NO, step S207: YES, step S204: TMP = 0, step S205: NO, step S206 in FIG. 4).
In step S303, the second control unit 200 transmits an update notification to the first control unit 100 (step S213 in FIG. 4: YES, step S214, step S215: COUNT = 0, step S101 in FIG. 3: YES). .

In step S304, the first control unit 100 reads data from the storage area 400 (step S102 in FIG. 3). This data is status data (step S103: NO in FIG. 3).
In step S305, the first control unit 100 generates situation image data based on the situation data (step S104 in FIG. 3).
In step S306, the first control unit 100 displays a situation image based on the situation image data (step S105 in FIG. 3).
In step S307, the first control unit 100 transmits a display completion notification to the second control unit 200 (step S106 in FIG. 3).

In step S308, the second control unit 200 detects a change in the status of the device (step S202 in FIG. 4: YES).
In step S309, the second control unit 200 writes the status data in the storage area 400 (step S203: YES in FIG. 4, step S204: TMP = 0, step S205: NO, step S206).
In step S310, the second control unit 200 transmits an update notification to the first control unit 100 (step S213 in FIG. 4: YES, step S214, step S215: COUNT = 0, step S101 in FIG. 3: YES). .

In step S311, the first control unit 100 reads data from the storage area 400 (step S102 in FIG. 3). This data is status data (step S103: NO in FIG. 3).
In step S312, the first control unit 100 generates situation image data based on the situation data (step S104 in FIG. 3).
In step S313, the first control unit 100 displays a situation image based on the situation image data (step S105 in FIG. 3).
In step S314, the first control unit 100 transmits a display completion notification to the second control unit 200 (step S106 in FIG. 3).

<Specific example 2>
FIG. 6 is a sequence diagram illustrating a second specific example. The specific example 2 is an example in which the second control unit 200 performs the generation of the situation image data.
In step S401, the second control unit 200 detects a change in the status of the device 300 (step S201 in FIG. 4: COUNT = 0, step S202: YES).
In step S402, the second control means 200 writes the status data in the storage area 400 (step S203: NO, step S207: YES, step S204: TMP = 0, step S205: NO, step S206 in FIG. 4).
In step S403, the second control unit 200 transmits an update notification to the first control unit 100 (step S213 in FIG. 4: YES, step S214, step S215: COUNT = 0, step S101 in FIG. 3: YES). .

In step S404, for example, the first control unit 100 has started a process unrelated to the display of the situation image, so that data cannot be read from the storage area 400 until this process is completed.
In step S405, while the 1st control means 100 is performing the process of step S404, the 2nd control means 200 detects the status change of the device 300 (step S202 of FIG. 4: YES).
In step S406, the second control means 200 generates situation image data (step S203: NO, step S207: NO, step S208: TMP = 1, step S209: NO, step S211 in FIG. 4).
In step S407, the second control means 200 writes the generated situation image data in the storage area 400 (step S212, step S213: NO, step S215: COUNT = 1 in FIG. 4).

In step S408, since the process of step S404 by the first control unit 100 is completed, the first control unit 100 reads data from the storage area 400 (step S102 in FIG. 3). This data is situation image data (step S103 in FIG. 3: YES).
In step S409, the first control unit 100 displays a situation image based on the read situation image data (step S105 in FIG. 3).
In step S410, the first control unit 100 transmits a display completion notification to the second control unit 200 (step S106 in FIG. 3).

In step S411, the 2nd control means 200 detects the status change of the device 300 (step S202 of FIG. 4: YES).
In step S412, the second control unit 200 generates situation image data (step S203: YES in FIG. 4, step S204: TMP = 0, step S205: YES, step S209: NO, step S211).
In step S413, the second control unit 200 writes the generated situation image data in the storage area 400 (step S212 in FIG. 4).
In step S414, the second control unit 200 transmits an update notification to the first control unit 100 (step S213 in FIG. 4: YES, step S214, step S215: COUNT = 0, step S101 in FIG. 3: YES). .

In step S415, the first control unit 100 reads data from the storage area 400 (step S102 in FIG. 3). This data is situation image data (step S103 in FIG. 3: YES).
In step S416, the first control unit 100 displays a situation image based on the read situation image data (step S105 in FIG. 3).
In step S417, the first control unit 100 transmits a display completion notification to the second control unit 200 (step S106 in FIG. 3).

In step S418, the second control unit 200 detects a change in the status of the device 300 (step S202: YES in FIG. 4).
In step S419, the second control unit 200 writes the status data in the storage area 400 (step S203: YES in FIG. 4, step S204: TMP = 0, step S205: NO, step S206).

<Specific example 3>
FIG. 7 is a sequence diagram illustrating a third specific example. The specific example 3 is an example in which the second control unit 200 does not perform generation of the situation image data because the process corresponding to the predetermined condition is being executed by the second control unit 200.
In step S501, the second control means 200 detects a change in the status of the device 300 (step S201: COUNT = 0 in FIG. 4, step S202: YES).
In step S502, the second control unit 200 writes the status data in the storage area 400 (step S203: NO, step S207: YES, step S204: TMP = 0, step S205: NO, step S206 in FIG. 4).
In step S503, the second control unit 200 transmits an update notification to the first control unit 100 (step S213 in FIG. 4: YES, step S214, step S215: COUNT = 0, step S101 in FIG. 3: YES). .

In step S504, since the first control unit 100 has started processing unrelated to the situation image display, data cannot be read from the storage area 400 until this processing ends.
In step S505, while the 1st control means 100 is performing the process of step S504, the 2nd control means 200 detects the status change of the device 300 (step S202 of FIG. 4: YES). However, since the second control unit 200 is executing a process having a higher priority than the generation of the situation image data (for example, a process related to the control of the device 300), the second control unit 200 Does not generate.
In step S506, the second control unit 200 writes the status data in the storage area 400 (step S203: NO, step S207: NO, step S208: TMP = 1, step S209: YES, step S210, step in FIG. 4). S213: NO, step S215: COUNT = 1).

In step S507, since the process of step S504 by the first control unit 100 is completed, the first control unit 100 reads data from the storage area 400 (step S102 in FIG. 3). This data is status data (step S103: NO in FIG. 3).
In step S508, the first control unit 100 generates situation image data based on the situation data (step S104 in FIG. 3).
In step S509, the first control unit 100 displays a situation image based on the situation image data (step S105 in FIG. 3).

In step S510, the second control unit 200 detects a change in the status of the device 300 (step S202 in FIG. 4: YES). However, since the process having higher priority than the generation of the situation image data is also being executed by the second control unit 200 here, the second control unit 200 does not generate the situation image data.
In step S511, the second control means 200 writes the status data in the storage area 400 (step S203: NO, step S207: NO, step S208: TMP = 2 in FIG. 4, step S209: YES, step S210, step S213: NO, step S215: COUNT = 2).

In step S512, since the display of the status image in step S509 is completed, the first control unit 100 transmits a display completion notification to the second control unit 200 (step S106 in FIG. 3).
In step S513, since the first control unit 100 has started processing unrelated to the situation image display, data cannot be read from the storage area 400 until this processing ends.

In step S514, the second control unit 200 detects a change in the status of the device 300 (step S202 in FIG. 4: YES). However, since the process having higher priority than the generation of the situation image data is also being executed by the second control unit 200 here, the second control unit 200 does not generate the situation image data.
In step S515, the second control means 200 writes the status data in the storage area 400 (step S203: YES in FIG. 4, step S204: TMP = 0, step S205: YES, step S209: YES, step S210).
In step S516, the second control unit 200 transmits an update notification to the first control unit 100 (step S213 in FIG. 4: YES, step S214, step S215: COUNT = 0, step S101 in FIG. 3: YES). .

In step S517, the first control unit 100 has started processing unrelated to the situation image display, and therefore data cannot be read from the storage area 400 until this processing is completed.
In step S518, the second control unit 200 detects a change in the status of the device 300 (step S202: YES in FIG. 4). However, since the process having higher priority than the generation of the situation image data is also being executed by the second control unit 200 here, the second control unit 200 does not generate the situation image data.
In step S519, the second control unit 200 writes the status data in the storage area 400 (step S203: NO, step S207: NO, step S208: TMP = 1, step S209: YES, step S210, step in FIG. 4). S213: NO, step S215: COUNT = 1).

In step S520, since the process of step S517 by the first control unit 100 is completed, the first control unit 100 reads data from the storage area 400 (step S102 in FIG. 3). This data is status data (step S103: NO in FIG. 3).
In step S521, the first control unit 100 generates situation image data based on the situation data (step S104 in FIG. 3).
In step S522, the first control unit 100 displays a situation image based on the situation image data (step S105 in FIG. 3).

As shown by the specific example 2, in the present embodiment, when the processing capacity for generating the situation image data is insufficient in the first control unit 100, the second control unit 200 generates the situation image data. To do. Therefore, according to the present embodiment, display delay with respect to a change in the status of the device 300 is reduced.
In the present embodiment, the second control unit 200 generates situation image data when the process corresponding to the predetermined condition is not being executed by the second control unit 200, and the process corresponding to the predetermined condition. Is being executed by the second control means 200, the second control means 200 writes the situation data to the storage area without generating the situation image data. Therefore, according to the present embodiment, the influence on the device control by the second control unit 200 is reduced as compared with the case where this configuration is not provided. Even when the second control unit 200 does not generate the situation image data, the storage content of the storage area 400 is updated to the latest situation data.

Further, in this embodiment, after the update notification is transmitted, if the situation data or the situation image data is written in the storage area 400 before the display completion notification is received, the update notification is not transmitted. Therefore, according to the present embodiment, the amount of communication from the second control unit 200 to the first control unit 100 is suppressed as compared with the case where this configuration is not provided.
In this embodiment, the display completion notification is received after the situation image data is written in the storage area 400, the change in the status of the device 300 is first detected after the display completion notification is received, and a predetermined value is set in advance. When the process corresponding to the condition is not being executed by the second control unit 200, the second control unit 200 generates the situation image data. Therefore, according to the present embodiment, an increase in the load on the first control unit 100 after the completion of the display of the situation image is suppressed as compared with the case where this configuration is not provided.
Further, as shown by the specific example 3, in the present embodiment, when the process corresponding to the predetermined condition is being executed by the second control unit 200, the second control unit 200 stores the status data in the storage area 400. Write to. Therefore, according to the present embodiment, even when the second control unit 200 cannot generate the situation image data, the storage content of the storage area 400 is updated to the latest situation data.

<Modification>
The embodiment may be modified as follows. Moreover, you may combine embodiment and a modification. A plurality of modified examples may be combined.
<Modification 1>
In the embodiment, the first requirement (the change in the status of the device 300 is detected after the update notification is transmitted and before the display completion notification is received) is satisfied, but the second requirement (the process corresponding to the predetermined condition is the first). In the case where the second control means does not generate the situation image data, the situation data is written to the storage area 400 without generating the situation image data. Even if the requirement is not satisfied, the second control means may generate the situation image data.

<Modification 2>
In the embodiment, an example is shown in which the update notification is not transmitted to the first control unit 100 when the situation data or the situation image data is written in the storage area 400 after the update notification is transmitted and before the display completion notification is received. However, when status data or status image data is written in the storage area 400, an update notification may be transmitted unconditionally to the first control means 100.

<Modification 3>
Writing situation data or situation image data to the storage area 400 is preferably overwritten rather than appended. In short, it is only necessary that the situation data or situation image data is updated to the latest in the storage area 400.

<Modification 4>
In the embodiment, the example of Linux is shown as an example of the OS executed by the first control unit 100. However, the OS executed by the first control unit 100 may be an OS other than Linux.
In the embodiment, the RTOS is shown as an example of the OS executed by the second control unit 200. However, the OS executed by the second control unit 200 may be a general-purpose OS such as Linux.
In the embodiment, the first control unit and the second control unit are realized by dedicated hardware and software, respectively. However, the first control unit and the second control unit are executed by a virtual machine that executes Linux and RTOS by a single CPU. Two control means may be realized.

<Modification 5>
In the embodiment, the image scanner 301 and the printer 302 are shown as examples of the device 300 provided in the image forming apparatus 1000. However, the device 300 may be any type of device.
In the embodiment, the example in which the image forming apparatus 1000 includes the first control unit (controller) 100, the second control unit (device controller) 200, and the device 300 has been described. However, as illustrated in FIG. 100 may be separated from the image forming apparatus 1000 and configured as a control device, and the first control unit 100 and the second control unit 200 may be connected by a communication line.
In the embodiment, the example in which the CPU 101 of the first control unit 100 and the CPU 201 of the second control unit 200 operate the image forming apparatus 1000 by executing the program has been described. Alternatively, the program may be provided by being recorded on a computer-readable recording medium, and the program may be read from the recording medium and stored in the HDD 104 or the like. Further, this program may be provided via a telecommunication line. Further, the same function as that of the embodiment may be implemented by hardware.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1000 ... Image forming apparatus, 100 ... 1st control means (controller), 101 ... CPU, 102 ... RAM, 103 ... ROM, 104 ... HDD, 105 ... LAN terminal, 106 ... Communication I / F, 107 ... UI, 11 ... Reading means, 12 ... generating means, 13 ... display means, 14 ... display completion notification transmitting means, 200 ... second control means (device controller), 201 ... CPU, 202 ... RAM, 203 ... ROM, 204 ... communication I / F , 21 ... detection means, 22 ... situation data writing means, 23 ... situation image data writing means, 24 ... update notification transmission means, 300 ... device, 301 ... image scanner, 302 ... printer, 400 ... storage area

Claims (10)

First control means;
Second control means controlled by the first control means;
A device controlled by the second control means;
A storage area, and
The second control means includes
Detecting means for detecting a change in the status of the device;
Status data writing means for writing status data representing the status of the device to the storage area when the detecting means detects a change in status of the device;
An update notification transmission means for transmitting an update notification to the first control means if the storage area has been written;
After the transmission of the update notification by the update notification transmission unit, the detection unit detects the status of the device before receiving a display completion notification indicating that the display based on the storage contents of the storage area is completed from the first control unit. A situation image data writing unit for generating situation image data for displaying a situation image representing the situation of the device when a change is detected, and for writing the situation image data in the storage area; and
The first control means includes
A reading means for reading the situation data or the situation image data from the storage area when the update notification is received;
Generating means for generating situation image data for displaying a situation image based on the situation data when the reading means reads the situation data;
Display means for displaying a situation image based on the situation image data generated by the generation means, or a situation image based on the situation image data read by the reading means;
An electronic apparatus comprising: a display completion notification transmission unit that transmits the display completion notification to the second control unit when the display of the status image by the display unit is completed. The situation image data writing means
After the update notification is transmitted by the update notification transmission unit, the detection unit detects a change in the status of the device before receiving the display completion notification, and the process corresponding to a predetermined condition is the second The electronic apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the situation image data is generated and the situation image data is written in the storage area when the control unit is not executing the situation image data. The situation data writing means
After the update notification is transmitted by the update notification transmission unit, the detection unit detects a change in the status of the device before receiving the display completion notification, and the process corresponding to the predetermined condition is The electronic device according to claim 2, wherein the status data is written to the storage area when the control unit is executing the control. The update notification transmission means sends the update notification when the status data or the status image data is written in the storage area after the update notification is transmitted and before the display completion notification is received. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the electronic device is not transmitted to the control unit. The situation image data writing means receives the display completion notification after writing the situation image data in the storage area, and the detection means first detects a change in the status of the device after receiving the display completion notice. The situation image data is generated when the process corresponding to the predetermined condition is not being executed by the second control means, and the situation image data is written in the storage area. The electronic device as described in any one. First control means;
Second control means controlled by the first control means;
A device for forming an image based on image data controlled by the second control means;
A storage area, and
The second control means includes
Detecting means for detecting a change in the status of the device;
Status data writing means for writing status data representing the status of the device to the storage area when the detecting means detects a change in status of the device;
An update notification transmission means for transmitting an update notification to the first control means if the storage area has been written;
After the transmission of the update notification by the update notification transmission unit, the detection unit detects the status of the device before receiving a display completion notification indicating that the display based on the storage contents of the storage area is completed from the first control unit. A situation image data writing unit for generating situation image data for displaying a situation image representing the situation of the device when a change is detected, and for writing the situation image data in the storage area; and
The first control means includes
A reading means for reading the situation data or the situation image data from the storage area when the update notification is received;
Generating means for generating situation image data for displaying a situation image based on the situation data when the reading means reads the situation data;
Display means for displaying a situation image based on the situation image data generated by the generation means, or a situation image based on the situation image data read by the reading means;
An image forming apparatus comprising: a display completion notification transmission unit configured to transmit the display completion notification to the second control unit when the display of the status image by the display unit is completed. Reading means for reading status data or status image data from the storage area when an update notification is received;
Generating means for generating situation image data for displaying a situation image based on the situation data when the reading means reads the situation data;
Display means for displaying a situation image based on the situation image data generated by the generation means, or a situation image based on the situation image data read by the reading means;
When the display of the status image by the display unit is completed, an electronic device controlled by a control device including a display completion notification transmission unit that transmits the display completion notification,
The device,
Detecting means for detecting a change in the status of the device;
Status data writing means for writing status data representing the status of the device to the storage area when the detecting means detects a change in status of the device;
An update notification transmitting means for transmitting the update notification to the control device if writing to the storage area is performed;
After the update notification is transmitted by the update notification transmission unit, the detection unit changes the status of the device before receiving a display completion notification indicating that the display based on the storage contents of the storage area is completed from the control device. An electronic device comprising: status image data writing means for generating status image data for displaying a status image representing the status of the device when detected, and writing the status image data in the storage area. Reading means for reading status data or status image data from the storage area when an update notification is received;
Generating means for generating situation image data for displaying a situation image based on the situation data when the reading means reads the situation data;
Display means for displaying a situation image based on the situation image data generated by the generation means, or a situation image based on the situation image data read by the reading means;
When the display of the status image by the display means is completed, a computer controlled by a control device comprising: a display completion notification transmitting means for transmitting the display completion notification;
Detection means for detecting changes in the status of the device;
Status data writing means for writing status data representing the status of the device to the storage area when the detecting means detects a change in status of the device;
An update notification transmitting means for transmitting the update notification to the control device if writing to the storage area is performed;
After the update notification is transmitted by the update notification transmission unit, the detection unit changes the status of the device before receiving a display completion notification indicating that the display based on the storage contents of the storage area is completed from the control device. When detected, a program for generating situation image data for displaying a situation image representing the situation of the device and for causing the situation image data to function as situation image data writing means for writing the situation image data in the storage area. The device,
Detecting means for detecting a change in the status of the device;
Status data writing means for writing status data representing the status of the device to a storage area when the detecting means detects a change in the status of the device;
An update notification transmission means for transmitting an update notification if writing to the storage area is performed;
After the update notification is transmitted by the update notification transmission means, and when the detection means detects a change in the status of the device before receiving a display completion notification indicating that the display based on the storage contents of the storage area is completed A control device that controls an electronic device including status image data for displaying a status image representing the status of the device, and status image data writing means for writing the status image data in the storage area. And
A reading means for reading the situation data or the situation image data from the storage area when the update notification is received;
Generating means for generating situation image data for displaying a situation image based on the situation data when the reading means reads the situation data;
Display means for displaying a situation image based on the situation image data generated by the generation means, or a situation image based on the situation image data read by the reading means;
A control apparatus comprising: a display completion notification transmitting unit that transmits the display completion notification to the electronic device when the display of the status image by the display unit is completed. The device,
Detecting means for detecting a change in the status of the device;
Status data writing means for writing status data representing the status of the device to a storage area when the detecting means detects a change in the status of the device;
An update notification transmission means for transmitting an update notification if writing to the storage area is performed;
After the update notification is transmitted by the update notification transmission means, and when the detection means detects a change in the status of the device before receiving a display completion notification indicating that the display based on the storage contents of the storage area is completed A computer that controls an electronic device that includes situation image data writing means for generating situation image data for displaying a situation image representing the situation of the device and writing the situation image data in the storage area,
A reading means for reading the situation data or the situation image data from the storage area when the update notification is received;
Generating means for generating situation image data for displaying a situation image based on the situation data when the reading means reads the situation data;
Display means for displaying a situation image based on the situation image data generated by the generation means, or a situation image based on the situation image data read by the reading means;
A program for causing the electronic device to function as a display completion notification transmission unit that transmits the display completion notification when the display of the status image is completed.

Images